Newsflash

Years of torture, abuse in Russian captivity take shocking toll on Ukrainian POWs

Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) held in Russian captivity endure horrific conditions, including starvation, constant beatings, electrocution, and sexual abuse, leading to severe physical and psychological trauma. Former Ukrainian marine Vladyslav Zadorin, who spent nearly two years in Russian detention, lost half his body weight and suffered permanent disabilities due to the brutal treatment. He was subjected to various forms of torture, including having needles driven under his nails, being set upon by dogs, and enduring severe beatings that left him with a closed head injury and damaged vertebrae.

The United Nations reports that over 95% of released Ukrainian POWs have been tortured, and many return home with disabilities, missing limbs, organs, or even succumb to their injuries shortly after release. The prolonged abuse in captivity often leads to irreversible health issues, including heart problems, cancer, and tuberculosis. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has been denied access to these prisoners, allowing Russia to continue its inhumane treatment with impunity. Ukraine advocates for an "all-for-all" prisoner exchange, but Russia has thus far rejected this proposal, leaving thousands of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians still in captivity. 😢🇺🇦🇷🇺

Xi, Kim, and Putin Unite in Beijing for Military Parade

On Wednesday, China will host a monumental military parade in Tiananmen Square, showcasing over 10,000 soldiers, tanks, and advanced robotics, along with more than 100 military aircraft. The event, attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, among others, is a stark display of China's growing military prowess and its alignment with other global powers often isolated by the West. The parade commemorates the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II, a conflict that significantly impacted China and bolstered the Communist Party's rise to power. The event is seen as a means to highlight China's historical sacrifices, legitimize its current leadership, and assert its role as a major global power, potentially rivaling the United States. The parade will feature over a thousand musicians and is expected to unveil new military technologies, including a sea-targeting missile that could play a role in potential conflicts, such as those involving Taiwan. While some European leaders, including Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, will attend, the event primarily draws participation from countries aligned with or seeking closer ties to China. The parade serves as a clear message to the U.S., Japan, and South Korea about China's military capabilities and its strategic alliances. 🇨🇳💥

Explosions rock western Ukrainian cities as Russia launches large-scale drone attack

Overnight, Russia launched a significant drone assault on western Ukrainian cities, with explosions reported in Kalush, Khmelnytskyi, and Rivne. Sounds of air defense systems were also heard in Lviv. In Kyiv, a downed drone sparked a fire at a residential building in Vyshhorod, though no casualties were reported. Across Ukraine, air raid alerts were triggered as drones targeted various regions. This attack follows a recent escalation in Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities, despite ongoing peace talks. President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that the death toll from a previous attack on Kyiv has risen to 25, with another strike in Zaporizhzhia killing one and injuring 34. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed frustration with the lack of progress in peace negotiations but has not imposed additional sanctions on Russia. The ongoing conflict continues to escalate, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. 💥🏙️

Papandreou to attend Beijing military parade

Former Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou will attend a military parade in Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, following an official invitation from the Chinese government. The event, scheduled for September 3, will feature a grand military display in Tiananmen Square, showcasing China’s military prowess and diplomatic influence. Over 20 world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, are expected to attend, highlighting China’s growing role as a global power and its efforts to reshape the international order amidst U.S. retrenchment.

The parade aims to project China’s military might and diplomatic clout, with cutting-edge equipment like hypersonic missiles and drones on display. This event is part of a broader "memory war," where China and Russia promote an alternative historical narrative that emphasizes their role in defeating fascism. The gathering also underscores China’s regional diplomacy, with increased attendance from leaders of Central Asian, West Asian, and Southeast Asian countries. The parade is expected to be a highly choreographed spectacle, with Xi Jinping flanked by Putin and Kim, symbolizing a new "axis of upheaval" challenging Western influence.

Security measures in Beijing have been tightened, with traffic controls and volunteer monitoring to ensure a smooth event. The parade is estimated to cost around $5 billion, equivalent to 2% of China’s entire defense budget, reflecting the significance China places on this display of power. While the event is meant to inspire national pride, some residents have expressed hopes that the funds could be better used to improve livelihoods. The parade is set to begin at 9 a.m. local time, with proceedings kicking off amidst heightened security and diplomatic fanfare. 🇨🇳🇷🇺🇰🇵

A different world arises

As the United States grapples with internal divisions and a weakened global standing, China is seizing the moment to assert its dominance on the world stage. The 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, marked by a grand military parade in Beijing, will serve as a powerful declaration of China's newfound confidence and its readiness to challenge Western hegemony. The presence of leaders from Russia, North Korea, and Iran will underscore China's growing alliance with anti-Western powers, while the display of advanced military technology will demonstrate its capability to project power globally.

This shift in the geopolitical landscape has been accelerated by U.S. policies, both under the Trump and Biden administrations, which have pushed other nations into China's orbit. However, China's rise is also a result of its own strategic initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, and the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping, who has consolidated power and pursued an ambitious vision of global influence. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin further reinforced China's image as a reliable partner in an unstable world, with leaders from 25 countries, including India, in attendance.

The Beijing parade will symbolize a significant shift in global power dynamics, sparking discussions about the end of Western dominance and the challenges facing liberal democracy. While China's ascent appears unstoppable, the extent of its success will depend on the actions of the U.S. and its allies. The global balance of power is at a critical juncture, with the potential for both cooperation and conflict as nations navigate this new era. 🌍💥

Poland largest relative defence spender in NATO, new figures confirm

Poland is leading NATO in defense spending, both in terms of percentage of GDP and the proportion allocated to equipment. The country is set to spend 4.5% of its GDP on defense in 2025, a significant increase from previous years, driven by the escalating threat from Russia. This spending is the highest among NATO members, with Poland also dedicating over half of its defense budget to acquiring new military equipment.

The Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia follow Poland, with defense spending of 4%, 3.7%, and 3.4% of GDP, respectively. Among larger NATO members, the U.S. leads with 3.2% of GDP, followed by the UK, Turkey, and France. Notably, all 32 NATO members are expected to meet the alliance's target of spending at least 2% of GDP on defense this year.

In absolute terms, Poland's defense budget ranks sixth in NATO, at approximately $44.3 billion. The U.S. tops the list with a massive $980 billion, followed by the UK, France, and Italy. Poland's defense spending is focused on rapidly expanding and modernizing its armed forces, with significant investments in tanks, aircraft, howitzers, and air defense systems, primarily from the U.S. and South Korea. The country recently signed a $6.7 billion deal for 180 additional K2 tanks from South Korea, aiming to have around 1,100 tanks by 2030—more than Germany, France, the UK, and Italy combined.

Poland's defense spending is projected to continue rising, with plans to increase it to around 4.8% of GDP in 2026. This ongoing investment underscores Poland's commitment to bolstering its military capabilities in response to regional security challenges. 🇵🇱💥

In occupied Ukraine, the first day of Russian school begins with preparations for war

In the Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine, the start of the new school year on September 1, 2025, was marked by a disturbing emphasis on militarization and Russian propaganda. Across Luhansk, Donetsk, and Kherson Oblasts, children were subjected to ceremonies and lessons designed to instill loyalty to Russia and prepare them for future military roles. In Luhansk, the Russia-installed head of the occupied territories, Leonid Pasechnik, urged students to "love the motherland" and be ready to defend it. Similar events occurred in Donetsk and Kherson, where students marched with Russian flags and received sweets from Russian politicians.

The Russian-occupied territories have seen the implementation of a curriculum controlled by Moscow, which includes a revised history of Ukraine and the ongoing conflict, referred to euphemistically as a "special military operation." The Russian government has been actively recruiting teachers to work in these regions, aiming to reshape local identities and foster allegiance to Moscow. This effort includes the use of the Young Army movement, which encourages children to join and eventually enlist in the Russian armed forces.

The militarization of education in these occupied areas is a clear violation of international humanitarian law, specifically the Geneva Convention on the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War. Ukrainian lawmaker Inna Sovsun highlighted the pattern of Russian military and educational officials quickly establishing control over the educational process in occupied territories. The forced Russian education system not only indoctrinates children with pro-Russian ideology but also limits their future educational opportunities, as their certificates are only recognized in Russia. This systematic approach aims to ensure that the next generation in these regions is deeply integrated into the Russian system, with bleak prospects for those who wish to pursue higher education outside of Russian-controlled areas.

Trump Claims US Military Attacked Venezuelan Drug Ship

Tensions between the USA and Venezuela have escalated, with the U.S. launching a strike on a Venezuelan ship suspected of carrying narcotics. President Donald Trump announced that American forces had destroyed the vessel, claiming it was associated with the Tren de Aragua drug cartel and controlled by Venezuela's president. The attack resulted in at least eleven fatalities. Venezuelan President Maduro responded by declaring a national "maximum alert" and accusing the U.S. of sending armed warships near Venezuela's coast, equipped with 1,200 rockets. The incident underscores the heightened military tensions between the two nations. 🚢💥

Today in Norway: A roundup of the news on Tuesday

In the lead-up to Norway's election, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and far-right Progress Party leader Sylvi Listhaug will engage in a one-on-one debate at Oslo's Håndverkeren restaurant. This marks the second direct encounter between the two, who previously debated on July 30. Both leaders were noted for their strong performances in a live debate involving all nine party leaders. Notably, Listhaug's party currently leads in the polls, surpassing the traditionally dominant Conservatives led by Erna Solberg.

Meanwhile, Norway has seen a significant decline in alcopop sales, with a 4.5% drop in the three months ending in June compared to the same period in 2024. This trend is unusual, as alcopops had previously shown consistent growth while other alcoholic beverage sales declined. The overall sales of alcoholic beverages also decreased by 2.4%.

Environmental and Indigenous activists, led by Ella Marie Hætta Isaksen, plan to block the entrance to the Ministry of Trade and Industry to protest a mining project. The activists aim to prevent the dumping of copper mining waste into the Repparfjord, arguing that this practice will devastate marine life, fisheries, and Sámi reindeer herding lands. The mining project could result in millions of tonnes of waste being deposited into the fjord.

In response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the Norwegian government has allocated 450 million kroner to boost defense production. This funding will be directed towards three major weapons producers: Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, Nammo, and Chemring Nobel. The increased production capacity is set to commence in 2026, reflecting Norway's commitment to supporting its allies amidst the escalating geopolitical tensions. 🇳🇴💥

Cyprus steps up desalination as worsening droughts parch the island

Cyprus is grappling with a severe water crisis exacerbated by climate change, with droughts becoming more frequent and intense. Annual rainfall has decreased by an estimated 15% over the past 90 years, while temperatures in Nicosia have risen by 1.8 degrees Celsius, double the global average. As of September 1, the island’s reservoirs were only 14.7% full, highlighting the urgent need for alternative water sources.

The water deficit has surged three-fold since 1990 due to population growth and increased tourism, leaving Cyprus with a constant water shortage. In 2023, the deficit reached 66 million cubic meters, equivalent to over 26,000 Olympic-sized pools. To address this crisis, Cyprus is increasingly turning to desalination, which now covers about 70% of drinking water needs. The government aims to make desalination the primary source for all household and business water requirements, reducing reliance on weather-dependent sources.

However, the reliance on desalination is not without controversy. Critics argue that it is expensive and can harm marine life through brine discharge. The Agriculture Ministry maintains that monitoring has shown no adverse impacts, but scientists warn that farming practices, such as growing water-intensive crops, are accelerating desertification. Efforts are underway to find sustainable solutions, including composting to restore soil and improve water retention. The island faces a dire situation, necessitating innovative and creative approaches to mitigate the water crisis. 💦🌱

Summer was third hottest in Greece in 65 years

This summer marked the third hottest on record in Greece since 1960, according to the country’s meteorological service, Meteo. A scientific team at Meteo analyzed climate data and found that the summer of 2025 was 1.5°C warmer than the average temperature recorded between 1991 and 2020. June 2025 was the second warmest June since 1960, while July ranked as the fourth warmest. August, however, saw temperatures closer to typical seasonal norms. The summer of 2025 closely mirrored that of 2021, being just 0.3°C cooler than the second warmest summer on record, which occurred in 2012. The hottest summer remains the one in 2024, which was significantly warmer than any other year. Over the past 65 years, the average summer temperature in Greece has risen by 2.4°C, highlighting a concerning trend of increasing heat. 🌡️🔥

Turks and Israelis bolster Golden Visa

Turkish and Israeli citizens are increasingly obtaining Greek residence permits through the Golden Visa program, driven by economic and political factors in their home countries. Turkish investors have seen a significant 152% increase in permits, reaching 2,449 by the end of July, due to changes in the program and Turkey's economic situation. Israeli investors have also experienced a substantial 96% rise, with permits totaling 510, largely attributed to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Additionally, U.S. and British investors have shown notable increases of 52% and 50.8%, respectively, with pending applications expected to boost these numbers further.

The Golden Visa program has attracted a total of 23,221 investors since its inception, with 17,254 initial permits currently in force and 5,967 renewals granted. With 11,887 applications pending, up to 35,000 investors are anticipated to secure residence permits, investing a combined €8.5 billion in Greek real estate. This trend underscores Greece's appeal as a safe haven for foreign investment, particularly amid regional instability. 🏠🇬🇷💸

‘Miracle did not happen’ in talks with French PM, far right says

French Prime Minister François Bayrou's desperate bid to secure the support of the far-right National Rally party to prevent his government's collapse has failed. National Rally President Jordan Bardella and party leader Marine Le Pen met with Bayrou but maintained their opposition, stating that the prime minister had overstepped their party's boundaries with an unpopular €43.8 billion budget cut. The National Rally criticized Bayrou for not adequately addressing immigration and EU-related expenses. This development sets the stage for a crucial confidence vote on Monday, with the future of Bayrou's government hanging in the balance. 🇫🇷🏛️

France says EU leaders, not ministers, should decide 2040 climate target

France is advocating for a significant shift in the decision-making process for the European Union's upcoming climate milestone, which could potentially delay the agreement. The EU's 27 environment ministers are set to convene on September 18 to vote on the bloc's 2040 emissions reduction target, a date strategically chosen to allow European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to present a concrete outcome at the United Nations General Assembly's climate summit the following week.

However, France is insisting that the decision be made at the European Council level rather than by the environment ministers. This demand has raised concerns among EU diplomats, as it could complicate and slow down the process of reaching a swift agreement on this crucial climate target. The French government's push for a higher-level decision reflects its desire to have a more significant say in the EU's climate policy, but it may come at the cost of delaying the bloc's response to the global climate crisis. The outcome of this diplomatic tug-of-war will be crucial in determining the EU's climate ambitions and its ability to lead on the global stage. 🌍🏛️

Zack Polanski just rocked Britain’s Greens. Now for the hard part.

Zack Polanski, the newly elected leader of the Green Party, is determined to challenge both the Labour Party and the rising populist Reform UK. However, his first priority is to unite the Green Party, which has been plagued by internal divisions. Speaking at a community center near London’s South Bank, Polanski, a member of the London Assembly and self-described "eco-populist," pledged to pursue "bold politics" in his quest to counter the policies of Keir Starmer's Labour government and Nigel Farage's populist movement. His leadership marks a pivotal moment for the Green Party as it seeks to solidify its position and influence in British politics. 🌳🏛️

Macron to meet Zelensky ahead of talks with European leaders in Paris, media reports

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris on the evening of September 3, ahead of a crucial summit of the "Coalition of the Willing." This high-level gathering, initiated by Ukraine, aims to solidify security guarantees for Ukraine and apply further pressure on Russia to achieve a ceasefire. The coalition, comprising nations willing and able to provide security support, has completed the necessary technical preparations, coordinated by their defense chiefs and senior military officials.

The summit, scheduled for September 4, seeks to send a strong message of unity and resolve in supporting Ukraine amidst ongoing Russian aggression. However, Moscow has consistently rejected the presence of NATO troops in any peace deal and has intensified its military operations against Ukrainian cities. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering withdrawing from diplomatic efforts until both sides show greater flexibility, despite months of U.S.-led negotiations and intermittent pauses in military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. The international community watches closely as these developments unfold, hoping for a path towards peace and stability in the region. 🇫🇷🇺🇦🇷🇺

Top Ukrainian Security Service official suspected of corruption

Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) have accused a high-ranking Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) official of illicit enrichment and asset misrepresentation. Although the authorities have not publicly named the suspect, multiple Ukrainian media outlets have identified him as Illia Vitiuk, the former head of cybersecurity at the SBU. Vitiuk was dismissed from his position in May 2024 following an investigation by Slidstvo.Info, which uncovered the purchase of real estate valued at approximately Hr 25.5 million ($617,000) by his family.

The investigation revealed that Vitiuk's wife began earning significantly more after his appointment and acquired an apartment in a premium Kyiv residential complex at a price below market value. The anti-corruption agencies allege that Vitiuk purchased an apartment for Hr 21.6 million ($522,000), but it was registered under a family member's name and declared at a much lower value of Hr 12.8 million ($310,000). The family member claimed the funds came from their entrepreneurial activities, but investigators traced the money to an individual suspected of embezzling funds from Ukrainian Railways through an organized crime group. Additionally, the source of an additional Hr 8.8 million ($213,000) spent on the apartment remains unverified, raising further suspicions.

The SBU has defended Vitiuk, describing the charges as retaliatory and linked to the arrest of several NABU employees in July. The SBU claims that the investigation into Vitiuk's alleged illicit enrichment began nearly a year and a half ago but was only formally announced after the detention of NABU representatives. The SBU also criticized the investigative bodies for disregarding expert reports that allegedly disproved the allegations. This case highlights the ongoing tensions and power struggles between Ukrainian law enforcement agencies and the government, as well as the challenges in combating corruption within the country's security services. 🏛️💸

Polish president rejects government offer to join Trump White House meeting

Polish President Karol Nawrocki, aligned with the country's right-wing opposition, is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington without any government representatives in his delegation. This decision breaks with the traditional practice of including a foreign ministry official in such visits, a move that has sparked controversy and criticism from the Polish government. The foreign ministry had offered to send a representative, even suggesting Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, but the president's office did not respond. The president's chief of staff, Zbigniew Bogucki, justified the decision by citing poor relations between the government and Washington, accusing the government of "disgracing itself" with critical comments about Trump.

Nawrocki's trip comes amidst ongoing tensions between the president and the more liberal, pro-European Union government. The foreign ministry had advised Nawrocki to avoid discussing certain topics with Trump, such as further arms purchases, a planned nuclear power plant contract, and a new digital tax. However, Bogucki dismissed the ministry's advice as "bizarre" and inappropriate. The dispute highlights the constitutional provision that the government is responsible for conducting foreign policy, with the president expected to cooperate in this area. Despite the controversy, the foreign ministry has expressed a desire for Nawrocki's success during his visit. The president's decision to travel without government representatives has raised concerns about Poland's international effectiveness and its role in European affairs, particularly in light of recent events such as the absence of a Polish representative during talks on a peace plan for Ukraine. 🇵🇱🇺🇸

German coalition leaders visit Kiev wreckage, Bucha in show of unity

Top lawmakers from Germany's ruling coalition, Jens Spahn of the conservative CDU/CSU bloc and Matthias Miersch of the center-left Social Democrats (SPD), made an unannounced visit to Ukraine to express solidarity with Kyiv and demonstrate unity within their coalition. The visit came as the German government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, seeks to overcome internal divisions following a tumultuous start.

In Kiev, Spahn and Miersch inspected the damage from recent Russian airstrikes and visited Bucha, the site of a notorious massacre during the early weeks of the war. They paid tribute to the victims and met with local officials. The lawmakers emphasized that their visit underscored the German parliament's and government's unwavering support for Ukraine. Spahn asserted that Russian President Vladimir Putin is the one seeking war, not peace.

The duo also discussed the potential use of frozen Russian assets in the EU to support Ukraine, with Miersch stating that "all options are on the table." They stopped in Poland to meet German soldiers operating Patriot air defense systems protecting a key hub for Western arms deliveries to Ukraine. The visit highlighted the coalition's efforts to present a united front as lawmakers return to Berlin after the summer recess. Both Spahn and Miersch acknowledged the progress made in their working relationship, which they hope will translate into effective governance. 🇩🇪🇺🇦🤝

En Espagne, l’extrême droite progresse pendant que socialistes et conservateurs s’écharpent sur les incendies

The unprecedented wildfires that ravaged Spain this summer have tested the country’s crisis management capabilities and ignited intense political debates, providing ammunition for a surging far-right. According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), the fires have scorched nearly 400,000 hectares, marking the worst summer in three decades. The response to the fires has become a flashpoint between Spain’s fragile coalition government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE), and the conservative opposition People’s Party (PP). While the socialists oversee national ministries and agencies, the PP governs the three most affected regions: Galicia, Castile and León, and Extremadura. The political tensions have exacerbated the challenges of coordinating an effective response to the devastating fires. 🔥🇪🇸